A .243 will do the job on deer. I think the major problem with the .243 is people tend to shoot too light of a bullet and try to take long shots. With a good 100gr or heaveir bullet, like the Nosler patrition, and keeping shots under 200yds, the .243 is an effective deer round. Bullet placement is important with the .243, as it is with any rifle. But some very good alternatives are the .257 Roberts, 260 Rem., 7mm-08, and .308 Win. Any of these rounds can be had in rifles that are short, light weight, and mild recoil.